Breakfast Bakes

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake

Name: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 6 slices of Challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 package of cinnamon rolls, cut into 1-inch pieces; 4 large eggs; 1 cup of milk; 1/2 cup of granulated sugar; 1 tsp of ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp of ground nutmeg; 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup of heavy cream; 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts; Salt and pepper to taste

By Maren Holloway · June 19, 2026 · Breakfast Bakes

Prep20 min

Cook35 min

Total55 min

Serves8

I still remember the first time I made a cinnamon roll French toast bake for my family. The combination of soft, fluffy bread, sweet cinnamon rolls, and a crispy, golden-brown topping was an instant hit. Since then, it's become a staple in our household, especially on lazy Sundays or during the holidays.

What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare and how impressive it looks when it comes out of the oven. The best part? It's perfect for a crowd, and everyone can serve themselves straight from the baking dish.

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, like thick slices of bread and real cinnamon rolls. You can also customize it to your taste by adding different types of nuts or dried fruits to the topping.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making a delicious cinnamon roll French toast bake that's sure to become a family favorite. From the preparation of the ingredients to the final presentation, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly.

So, let's get started and make some unforgettable memories with this incredible cinnamon roll French toast bake recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal preparation time.
It's perfect for a crowd, and everyone can serve themselves straight from the baking dish.
You can customize it to your taste by adding different types of nuts or dried fruits to the topping.
It's a great way to use up leftover bread and cinnamon rolls.
The dish is both moist and flavorful, with a beautifully golden-brown crust.
It's perfect for special occasions, such as holidays or brunches.
The recipe can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy households.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to a great cinnamon roll French toast bake lies in the layering of the ingredients. By alternating between bread, cinnamon rolls, and a sweet egg mixture, you create a dish that's both moist and flavorful. The key is to not overmix the ingredients, allowing each component to retain its texture and flavor.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of a water bath. By baking the dish in a water bath, you ensure that the French toast cooks evenly and doesn't dry out. This technique also helps to prevent the topping from burning, resulting in a beautifully golden-brown crust.

Finally, the resting time is crucial in this recipe. By letting the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, you allow the flavors to meld together and the bread to absorb any excess liquid. This results in a dish that's not only delicious but also easy to slice and serve.

Overall, the combination of layering, water bath, and resting time makes this cinnamon roll French toast bake a truly special dish that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a cinnamon roll French toast bake, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll need a few simple ingredients, including thick slices of bread, cinnamon rolls, eggs, and milk. You'll also need some sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to add flavor to the dish.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the bread. You'll want to use a high-quality bread that's sturdy enough to hold up to the egg mixture and the cinnamon rolls. I recommend using a Challah or brioche bread, as they have a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon rolls.

6 slices of Challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubesYou can also use brioche or other types of bread, but Challah works best for this recipe. Make sure to cut the bread into uniform cubes so that it cooks evenly.
1 package of cinnamon rolls, cut into 1-inch piecesYou can use either homemade or store-bought cinnamon rolls for this recipe. If using store-bought, make sure to cut them into uniform pieces so that they cook evenly.
4 large eggsFresh eggs are essential for this recipe, as they provide moisture and richness to the dish. Make sure to beat them well before adding the other ingredients.
1 cup of milkYou can use either whole, 2%, or skim milk for this recipe. The milk adds moisture and tenderness to the bread, so make sure to use a high-quality brand.
1/2 cup of granulated sugarThe sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the dish and helps to balance out the flavors. You can also use brown sugar or honey if you prefer a different flavor.
1 tsp of ground cinnamonCinnamon is a crucial ingredient in this recipe, as it adds warmth and depth to the dish. Make sure to use a high-quality cinnamon that's fresh and fragrant.
1/2 tsp of ground nutmegNutmeg adds a subtle, slightly sweet flavor to the dish. Make sure to use a high-quality nutmeg that's fresh and fragrant.
1/4 cup of unsalted butter, meltedThe melted butter adds moisture and tenderness to the bread, so make sure to use a high-quality brand. You can also use other types of oil or fat if you prefer.
1 cup of heavy creamThe heavy cream adds richness and moisture to the dish, so make sure to use a high-quality brand. You can also use half-and-half or whole milk if you prefer a lighter flavor.
1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnutsThe chopped nuts add a nice texture and flavor to the dish. You can use either pecans or walnuts, or a combination of both. Make sure to chop them finely so that they distribute evenly throughout the dish.
Salt and pepper to tasteYou can adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste. Make sure to use a high-quality salt and pepper that's fresh and fragrant.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlWhiskMeasuring cups and spoons9x13-inch baking dishInstant-read thermometerOven mittsSharp knife

How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake

1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Make sure to use an oven thermometer to ensure that your oven is at the correct temperature.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Make sure to beat the eggs well before adding the other ingredients.
3
Add the melted butter and heavy cream to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth. Make sure to use a high-quality butter and cream that's fresh and fragrant.
4
Add the chopped nuts to the egg mixture and stir until they're evenly distributed. Make sure to chop the nuts finely so that they distribute evenly throughout the dish.
5
Cut the Challah bread into 1-inch cubes and add it to the egg mixture. Make sure to cut the bread into uniform cubes so that it cooks evenly.
6
Cut the cinnamon rolls into 1-inch pieces and add them to the egg mixture. Make sure to cut the cinnamon rolls into uniform pieces so that they cook evenly.
7
Stir the mixture until the bread and cinnamon rolls are evenly coated with the egg mixture. Make sure to stir gently so that you don't break up the bread or cinnamon rolls.
8
Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish and smooth out the top. Make sure to use a high-quality baking dish that's sturdy and can withstand high temperatures.
9
Bake the dish in a preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Make sure to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.
10
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Make sure to let it rest for the full amount of time so that the flavors can meld together and the bread can absorb any excess liquid.
11
Slice the dish into individual portions and serve warm. You can top it with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit if desired.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use a high-quality bread that's sturdy enough to hold up to the egg mixture and the cinnamon rolls.
Don't overmix the egg mixture, as this can result in a tough or dense dish.
Use a water bath to prevent the dish from drying out and to ensure that it cooks evenly.
Let the dish rest for the full amount of time before serving, as this allows the flavors to meld together and the bread to absorb any excess liquid.
You can customize the dish by adding different types of nuts or dried fruits to the topping.
Make sure to use a high-quality cinnamon that's fresh and fragrant, as this adds warmth and depth to the dish.
Don't open the oven door during the baking time, as this can cause the dish to sink or not cook evenly.
Let the dish cool completely before refrigerating or freezing, as this helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using low-quality bread that's not sturdy enough to hold up to the egg mixture and the cinnamon rolls.
Overmixing the egg mixture, which can result in a tough or dense dish.
Not using a water bath, which can cause the dish to dry out and not cook evenly.
Not letting the dish rest for the full amount of time before serving, which can result in a dish that's not flavorful or textured.
Not using a high-quality cinnamon that's fresh and fragrant, which can result in a dish that's not warm or deep.
Opening the oven door during the baking time, which can cause the dish to sink or not cook evenly.

Variations and Substitutions

Add different types of nuts or dried fruits to the topping, such as pecans, walnuts, or cranberries.
Use different types of bread, such as brioche or sourdough, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the egg mixture for a unique flavor.
Use different types of cinnamon, such as Saigon or Ceylon, for a unique flavor and aroma.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt or kosher salt to the topping for a salty and sweet flavor.
Use different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a non-dairy version of the dish.
Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips or chocolate shavings to the topping for a sweet and indulgent flavor.

What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake

This cinnamon roll French toast bake is perfect for serving at brunch or breakfast. You can top it with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit for a delicious and indulgent treat.

It's also a great dish to serve at holidays or special occasions, such as Easter or Mother's Day. You can customize it by adding different types of nuts or dried fruits to the topping, or by using different types of bread or cinnamon.

Maple syrupWhipped creamFresh fruitPowdered sugarChocolate chips or chocolate shavings

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This cinnamon roll French toast bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, let the dish cool completely and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To freeze, let the dish cool completely and then wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

To reheat the dish, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it's warm and toasted. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the dish to dry out.

It's also a great dish to make ahead of time, as it can be prepared and refrigerated or frozen until you're ready to bake it. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until it's golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bread is best to use for this recipe?

The best type of bread to use for this recipe is a high-quality Challah or brioche bread that's sturdy enough to hold up to the egg mixture and the cinnamon rolls.

Can I use store-bought cinnamon rolls for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought cinnamon rolls for this recipe. Just make sure to cut them into uniform pieces so that they cook evenly.

How long does the dish need to rest before serving?

The dish needs to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, which allows the flavors to meld together and the bread to absorb any excess liquid.

Can I customize the dish by adding different types of nuts or dried fruits to the topping?

Yes, you can customize the dish by adding different types of nuts or dried fruits to the topping. Just make sure to chop them finely so that they distribute evenly throughout the dish.

How do I store the dish after it's been baked?

The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, let the dish cool completely and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To freeze, let the dish cool completely and then wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

Can I make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until I'm ready to bake it?

Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to bake it. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until it's golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

What's the best way to reheat the dish after it's been refrigerated or frozen?

The best way to reheat the dish is to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it's warm and toasted. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the dish to dry out.

Can I use different types of milk for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of milk for this recipe, such as almond or soy milk, for a non-dairy version of the dish.

The Full Recipe

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